Explore my academic poster, which presents the latest research on the prevalence of problematic opioid use (POU) in Ireland between 2020 and 2022. This study, conducted in collaboration with the Health Research Board and University College Cork, provides new insights into opioid-related public health challenges across the country.
This poster was presented at the Faculty of Public Health Summer Scientific Meeting on 20-21 May 2025.
Key Highlights:
- Problematic opioid use is defined as recurrent drug use causing harm or placing individuals at high risk of harm.
- In 2022, an estimated 19,460 people aged 15–64 in Ireland were identified as problematic opioid users, with a rate of 5.79 per 1,000 population.
- The majority of users were male (67.9%) and aged 35–64 years (75.3%).
- County Dublin had a significantly higher prevalence (11.17 per 1,000) compared to the rest of Ireland (3.53 per 1,000).
- A notable decrease in opioid use was observed among younger people (15–24 years) from 2020 to 2022.
- The research used a robust capture-recapture methodology, analysing data from clinics, GPs, prisons, and the Probation Service.
Why this matters:
These findings provide valuable information for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and service planners working to address opioid-related harms in Ireland. The results highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and targeted interventions, particularly as trends shift across age groups and regions.
View the full report to learn more about the methods, results, and implications for public health in Ireland.
